Smart Start for Safe Paddling is the American Canoe Association's new entry-level classroom program, and it provides the core educational content for the AUXPAD program.  Smart Start Facilitators teach it after receiving certification from someone endorsed to conduct the training.  Currently, all ACA Level 3 or higher instructors and all instructor trainers, Guide Trainers, and Leader Trainers hold that endorsement.  Level one and two instructors can earn the endorsement by completing additional training.  

Robin Pope, the lead author for the Smart Start program, will teach this endorsement class periodically for Auxiliarists and partners who are ACA instructors.  The following ACA resources provide information on Smart Start for Safe Paddling, and essential preparation for the Smart Start endorsement class.

Before the class, current ACA Level 1 and 2 instructors seeking endorsement to teach new Smart Start Facilitators should:

1. Review the slide decks for all four chapters of the program, found at https://americancanoe.org/smart-start/ 

2. Take the online class found at https://americancanoe.org/education/resource-library/paddlesports-online-course/

3. Review the instructor support document found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ynnWX2CULRsbvqnNZC0QzNtUFG1I-dir/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102435514897632588857&rtpof=true&sd=true

4. Purchase a copy of the second edition of the Smart Start for Safe Paddling handbook, available on Amazon in print and Kindle formats, and on the ACA website.   The second edition corrects errors in the first edition and adds a little content.

After the online class, participants will complete two exams - one for Smart Start Facilitator and one for Smart Start Facilitator Endorser.  Both are open-book exams.  

The above resources provide an excellent foundation for paddler safety outreach, regardless of whether you plan to become a Smart Start Facilitator or ACA Instructor endorsed to teach this class.